Ever since the COVID-19 lockdown and more than 2 years after it was lifted several employers adapted to remote/hybrid work. Although some people were used to it before the advent of COVID-19.
Remote work can be fun especially if you do not like stepping out or you are an introvert. Remote workers tend to have a healthy work-life balance and are able to avoid traffic (Lagosians can relate to this).
Studies have highlighted the benefits of remote work, while some embrace it, others do not.
One of the issues we are faced with is cyber security. It is a major concern with a lot of cyber attacks and malicious sites.
Remote workers tend to worry about this especially those who handle classified documents.
Nigeria Emerges Second Most Cyber-secure Country In Africa
BizWatch Nigeria reported that Nigeria came in second place, with a cyber security index score of 74.68/100. Nigeria has the lowest number of compromised computers per 100,000 internet users (62) among all African countries studied, which contributes to its top ranking.
Infected computers with the Gamarue botnet open the door to hackers and make it easier for them to gain control of your company’s data and devices.
Nigeria also had the fourth lowest DDOS attacks per 100,000 internet users among all African countries studied, with an average of 21 attacks per 100,000 internet users.
Top 7 Cybersecurity Tips For Remote Employers
Venky Sundar, Founder and President of Indusface said that “There is no one way to secure remote working but instead you should make remote work access security an integral part of your employee’s ongoing training and workplace culture.”
He gave some cyber security tips which would help prevent businesses from attacks.
1. Create strong authentication
It starts by identifying the remote worker before a worker can access corporate data and assets.
From this, you can build audit trails of the actions against the identity.
2. Update your systems and encrypt your devices
Outdated technology could open doors to hackers with credential information like credit cards being stolen. Cases like this will have a fatal hit on your business’s reputation as well as cyber security.
It is highly recommended that all your devices be updated and encrypted with SSL certificates.
3. Conquer internal security risks
Working habits could lead to malware or ransomware attacks that could put your company and your clients at risk. We really recommend hosting full employee training on cyber security and making it fun.
You could get your team engaged in the training by setting up phishing email simulators so they could see the potential dangers in action.
4. Avoid weak or duplicate passwords
Many businesses share duplicate passwords for multiple accounts. Research shows hackers rely on weak passwords when brute forcing PoS terminals. Use an automatic password generator to create safe and secure passwords companywide.
5. Only upload files to secure systems
Hackers could upload their own files with malicious code that can be executed directly on your server. Therefore, it is important to avoid storing data in unencrypted storage, leaving data on devices without password protection, and attaching sensitive information directly into an email.
6. Secure web application security
Using a combination of open-source CMS and cloud-based apps increases your remote work risks. It should be considered as part of your security policy to approve web app purchases and free downloads.
7. Educate employees
Do not assume that your employees know how to detect a malicious mail, site or document. Educate them, train them on how to avoid cyber attacks.
Teach them to easily decipher a malicious mail/content and how to protect their gadgets from cyber attacks.
Remote/hybrid work is good however you need to protect your business and information from cyber thieves, do not leave your post unguarded use a strong cyber defender and also make sure that your website is not left behind.
